Shumlin shed his security entourage for Italy trip

A public records request by VTDigger shows Gov. Peter Shumlin scrapped his security detail during a six-day trip to Italy last month.

Shumlin traveled to Italy to give a keynote speech at the International Conference of Progressive European leaders, held Dec. 14 and 15. He then tacked on four days to the trip for a personal vacation and returned to Vermont on Dec. 19.

Upon his return, the governor defended his decision to stray from standard procedure — the state’s governors typically take Vermont State Police officers with them when they travel out of state. Former Gov. Jim Douglas and former Gov. Howard Dean both adhered to this policy.

In 2011 Shumlin told reporters that security hadn’t been necessary for the West Indies trip because it had been kept secret from the public. “Vermonters really appreciate common sense,” Shumlin said. “As their governor, I’m supposed to exercise common sense. If I can go somewhere and not be known, it’s common sense that I’m going to be pretty safe. No one knew who I was. If it had been in the newspapers in Dominica who I was perhaps the outcome would have been different.”

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David Black

3 years 11 months ago

He didn’t want them to witness him with any “bunga bunga” babs.

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Amelia Silver

3 years 11 months ago

David Black, whoever you are, your comment is silly and rude (and incomprehensible.)

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